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1812: The War That Forged a Nation

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Although frequently overlooked between the American Revolution and the Civil War, the War of 1812 tested a rising generation of American leaders; unified the United States with a renewed sense of national purpose; and set the stage for westward expansion from Mackinac Island to the Gulf of Mexico. USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," proved the mettle of the fledgling American navy; Oliver Hazard Perry hoisted a flag boasting, "Don't Give Up the Ship"; and Andrew Jackson's ragged force stood behind it's cotton bales at New Orleans and bested the pride of British regulars. Here are the stories of commanding generals such as America's double-dealing James Wilkinson, Great Britain's gallant Sir Isaac Brock, Canada's heroine farm wife Laura Secord, and country doctor William Beanes, whose capture set the stage for Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." During the War of 1812, the United States cast off its cloak of colonial adolescence and -- with both humiliating and glorious moments -- found the fire that was to forge a nation.This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

Background Information

Sometimes called the second American war for independence, the War of 1812 was the last battle against foreign troops on American soil. The War of 1812 began in 1812 and ended with the Battle of New Orleans some time after the signing of peace in Paris. The USS Constitution, a 44-gun frigate, served from the undeclared naval war with France in 1797 through the War of 1812 and was nicknamed "Old Ironsides." The final battle of the War of 1812 took place after the peace had been signed, but the victorious Andrew Jackson hadn't heard the news.